Former Odisha police chief booked in corruption case

A case has been registered against former Odisha police chief Prakash Mishra on charges of financial improprieties and corruption.

Mishra, however, refused to comment and said he had no idea about any vigilance case against him.

The 58-year-old, a 1977-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) Odisha cadre officer is currently working as a special secretary for internal security at the ministry of home affairs in the Union government.

The state vigilance department has charged him of abusing his official powers as chairman of the state-run Odisha State Police Housing and Welfare Corporation Ltd (OSPHWC), the post he held from 2006-2009, state vigilance department director KB Singh told IANS.

Mishra had taken control of the material wing which is generally vested with the deputy project manager of the corporation and allegedly placed orders with steel and cement suppliers to the tune of Rs 59 crore, abusing his official position and had given 100 per cent advance to them, he said.

"As per the supply orders, the suppliers were supposed to give the supply within a week but they failed to do so. Instead of taking action against them, an advance was given to them again," Singh added.

"The case has been registered against Mishra and few others officials after a special audit pointed out the irregularities," he added.

Mishra was short-listed last year for appointment as special director in the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The state too recommended his name in December 2013, but changed its decision May 28 this year when it wrote to the central government seeking withdrawal of its recommendation.

He was appointed director-general of police in July 2012. He held the post till July 5 this year.

Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn't like in the comments